The word “work” is often associated with a negative connotation. This is understandable, but the truth is the word needs specificity. Below I identify four types of work. Keep in mind that overlap occurs.
Puritanical Work
Work for the sake of work. Rooted in the Puritan Work-Ethic. Exerting effort, grinding, occupying yourself through labor, avoiding idleness, in order to be considered “morally virtuous.” Spinning your wheels, regardless of productive output or goal. Hard work.
Initiation of activity not based in excitement.
Likely will not produce the flow state.
Goal-Oriented Work
Work for the sake of delayed gratification and long-term productive achievement. The in-the-moment experience may be tedious, frustrating, or grinding, but you are aware of the benefits it will produce down the line. The more deeply you understand the specific purpose of the activity, the more intrinsically motivated the present moment work becomes.
Initiation of activity may or may not be based in excitement.
May or may not produce the flow state.
Ex. editing every detail of a video to create an outstanding piece of content for your YouTube channel
Habitual Work
Creating specific structures within your daily life to build/maintain effectiveness. Facilitates productive achievement, but may not directly relate to a targeted, measurable goal. Requires intention and consistency.
Initiation of activity may or may not be based in excitement.
May or may not produce the flow state.
Ex. you commit to taking a daily 15-minute morning walk, knowing over the course of time it will generally build leg strength and sharpen your mind
Ex. you practice scales daily on a musical instrument, knowing it will maintain and strengthen your technical foundation, allowing you to accomplish different, specific artistic goals
Playful/Inspired Work
Experience is an end to itself. Inherently pleasurable and fun. Still considered “work”—as opposed to idleness—because involves an immediate task or challenge. Does not necessitate accomplishment of greater goal. Could be characterized as “active leisure.”
Initiation of activity is based in excitement.
Guaranteed to produce flow state.
Cheers,
Joel
